Giovanni Gabrieli's Canzon per Sonar Noni Toni à 8 (Ch. 173) is an instrumental work in 8 parts (2 choirs antiphonal) composed in 1597 as part of a collection of 45 motets titled Sacrae Symphoniae. These works were performed in St. Marks Basilica after Gabrieli returned to Venice to become the principal organist there and propelled him to become recognized as one of Europe's leading composers.

The instrumental works of the Sacrae Symphoniae have been cherished by brass performers for many years now. This new arrangement by Damiano Drei has been carefully edited for modern instruments with minimal changes and includes substitute parts to allow the performance of this glorious work by 8 or more advanced performers.

Instrumentation is for: 4 Trumpets in B-flat, Horn in F, 2 Trombones and Tuba. Alternate parts are written for Horns in F and Trombone).

Stuart O'Neil has written a new work entitled "Machinery" in 4 movements for 6-part Trombone ensemble and Percussion. Below is the composer's explanation of his exciting and dramatic work."The four pieces in this collection are written for 6-part trombone ensemble and accompanying percussion; they may be performed together or individually. Each piece is a study in the trombone?s distinct glissando capability and should be approached in a relatively aggressive, but not overly serious, manner: concert music, but with considerable jazz-rock influence, especially in regards to rhythm and dynamics. The pieces are similar, but each has its own character."1. Machine is a well-oiled, highly-functioning machine, with all parts efficiently working together.2. Rush Hour is a hectic, busy traffic scene, but somewhat cartoon-like.3. Suspension Bridge is strong metal under extreme stress, straining but not breaking.4. Assembly Line is a factory conveyor belt: loud, busy, with lots of heavy machinery.This 10 minute work is appropriate for advanced performers.

Richard Strauss's opera Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman Without a Shadow) was written between 1911 and 1917. He regarded it as one of his most important works. After an unenthusiastic opening night, it has now become part of the standard operatic repertoire.

Randall Malmstrom has brilliantly arranged some of the most outstanding parts of the opera for an 8-part Trombone Ensemble appropriate for advanced performers.

Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), son of an organist, was born in Nuremberg and received his initial training in music from his father. As a young man he studied in Venice and became close friends with Giovanni Gabrieli, both eventually studying composition with Giovanni's Uncle Andrea. Hassler gained a reputation as an innovative composer and also traveled throughout Germany as a consultant in the construction of pipe organs.

Dr. Palmer has transcribed this exciting 3 minute work for 6-part Trombone Ensemble. It will work well for intermediate performers.

Verbum caro factum est is a beautiful choral work written in antiphonal style. The text has been taken by Hassler from the first chapter of the St. John Gospel and is considered an ancient carol of Christmas based on the text.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
And we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

And we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
And we have beheld His glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Hear a choral rendition of this work on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80lkSRHhDyQ

A rip-roaring down & out blues chart for 10 bones. An original composition by Canadian Trombone Superstar Al Kay. All 10 parts get a thorough workout with parts 1 & 2 having some great improvised solo choruses. For advanced performers, this work will add a new dimension to a recital or concert

Symphony No. 9 in D minor by Anton Bruckner is his final work, unfinished and in 3 movements. Randall Malmstrom has arranged another great excerpt from the Austrian master, the Coda of Movement I for an 8-part Trombone Ensemble.

The Coda is solemn, majestic, spiritual, and leaves the listener spellbound, its effect being so overwhelming.

The arrangement of about 3 1/2 minutes in length is appropriate for advanced performers. The top part is in alto clef.

Hill Country Miniatures for 8-part Trombone Ensemble was written by Richard J. Lawn in 2002 for the Trombone Choir at the University of Texas and its director Nathaniel Brickens. The work is dedicated to Donald Knaub its former director. It has become a staple in the American Trombone Ensemble repertoire since its original release. Mr. Lawn explains in the notes, his deep emotional connection to the Hill Country land and to his days at the Eastman School of Music, hearing the legendary Trombone Choir led by Emory Remington and following through to his days at the University of Texas with Knaub and Brickens, all of which inspired him to compose this work.

This music is about 15 minutes in length and is for advanced performers.

The four movements of the work are:

Hickory Cove - September 2001 - a lyrical, somber and solemn introductory movement.

Smithwick - a jaunty piece reflecting the Scottish and English heritage of this tiny Texas spot.

The Narrows - As part of the Colorado River narrows, it twists and turns its way through the Texas Hill Country. You can hear the gentle waters winding through the cliffs and slopes.

Blue Bonnet Boogie - The springtime brings a profusion of the Blue Bonnet, the Texas state flower. A sea of these swaying in the breeze brings out the good old down-home boogie-woogie! A jazz solo featuring Bass Trombone (written for Bill Reichenbach in mind) with solo written out or improvised using chord symbols adds a festive finish.

Cherry Classics is proud to be the new distributor of this great work.